Fla restaurant workers say they were fired by text

By AP

Published: Monday, July 15, 2013 at 03:13 PM.

"Unfortunately businesses are forced to close across
Orlando
every day especially in the restaurant sector," Kennedy said in the text. "I am working to resolve issues including final paychecks as quickly as possible."

The TV stations reports that customers also say they are out of money after buying Groupons for the restaurant.

Employees at Barducci's Italian Bistro in Winter Park said they lost their jobs without notice after the restaurant suddenly closed and are still waiting for their last paychecks.

Jodi Jackson said she got the text earlier this month after working at the restaurant for nearly two years.

"I think it's immoral. I think it's cowardice," said Jackson, who cooked for the restaurant.

She said more than a dozen other employees got the same text that said: "I unfortunately need to inform you that I have been forced to close Barducci's effective immediately."

"I think we all deserve our compensation for money he's already made from us," Jackson said.

Restaurant owner Gregory Kennedy told WFTV (http://www.ittybittyurl.com/Ur6) via text that he lamented the restaurant's closing and was working on the paycheck issues.

"Unfortunately businesses are forced to close across Orlando every day especially in the restaurant sector," Kennedy said in the text. "I am working to resolve issues including final paychecks as quickly as possible."

The TV stations reports that customers also say they are out of money after buying Groupons for the restaurant.